Beds and Mattresses Buying Guide

Most of us spend one third of our lives in bed; therefore a good night’s sleep is essential for a good day ahead. One of the most important things whilst purchasing a bed is comfort. When buying your new bed, if it’s for you and your partner, it is essential you both try them out together. Take your time and try out as many beds as you can, to ensure you make the right choice. It is recommended you lie down on the bed for a minimum of five minutes.

There are many types, each giving different levels of comfort and support.

Bed Bases

Divans

Consist of a base section and can be supplied non-drawer, 2-4 drawers or lift up ottoman giving extra storage. Care should be taken to ensure there is sufficient room to open the drawers in the bedroom.

Sprung Base

Springs similar to those on a mattress, they can be open coil or pocket sprung. These have the advantage of providing a perfectly level supporting surface.

Firm Edge/Sprung Edge

The sprung edge is where the springs run the whole length and width of the base.Firm edge differs as they normally have springs which are contained in a wooden frame.

Firm Top/Platform Base

These tend to be used with mattresses that are either designed to have a firmer feel or with mattresses that are solid latex or memory foam.

Ottoman

The Ottoman is a bed frame offering most of the interior space for storage. The ottoman offers a greater weight load than the drawer storage option.

Bedsteads with Slatted Bases

They are available in many sizes and the bedsteads are made of either wood or metal. Slatted bases are also used on leather bed frames. The slats vary but should be no more than 3” apart (7.5cms). For a wider gap it is recommended that a ‘Bedstead Mattress Base’ is used between the bedstead and mattress. If this is not used it could result in extended wear on the mattress.

Adjustable Beds

These mainly have a slatted base and can be adjusted to a number of different positions. These can incline the upper body and raise the lower body independently. Two 2’6” or 3’ single bases can be linked together to create either a king or a super king size bed still allowing the mattresses to work independently from each other.

Mattresses

Pocket Sprung

Pocket springs are pre-compressed, individually encased coils. Individual encasement enables each spring to adjust independently to the others to perfectly support your body in any sleeping position. Springs work independently responding to individual body weight. Most mattresses have stitched sides for strong stable edges. The nesting of the pocketed spring unit means that depending on the method of construction, the mattress may be slightly different in size to the divan base. This difference is normal with pocketed sprung mattresses. Settlement will first be evident in the most common sleeping areas which are perfectly normal.

Open Coil

Probably the most common form of construction for a mattress. Springs are in rows and connected to one another, top and bottom, by horizontal lines. The gauge of the wire determines the spring tension.

Continuous Spring

This is made from a single length of wire knitted into a series of interwoven springs – run up and down the bed, linked vertically. The gauge of wire is softer and the size of the coils smaller than open coil giving a higher spring count and more responsive feel.

Honeycomb or Nested Pocket Springs

These springs are considered to give a luxurious feel. Lines of springs are arranged side by side in a honeycomb formation. They are packed as closely as possible so that the sleeper is supported by the maximum spring count.Mattresses should either be turned or top to tailed in line with the manufacturer’s care guide. Even with this turning there is a possibility that the upholstery where the body weight is concentrated is still likely to settle more quickly than in areas where there is less body weight. This is not a fault, and with the correct turning the upholstery will settle evenly over the whole mattress with time.

Memory Foam and Latex Models

Foam mattresses are made from layers of different densities of foam. By varying their density and depth, it is possible to achieve different levels of comfort and support.Due to the unique pressure relieving properties of the memory foam it can take some time for the body to get used to it. During use the mattress cells will become fully open, which results in the memory foam reacting more quickly. It may therefore feel as if the material is getting softer, however, the pressure relieving properties remain the same and comfort will be improved.

Latex is a premium quality material. It is very durable and has anti-microbial properties that offer benefits to many allergy sufferers. It has natural elasticity and recovers its shape when pressure is removed.These mattresses should not be turned as only the top surface is designed for sleeping. They need to be rotated from end to end in line with the manufacturers care guide.

Visco Elastic

This is a type of polyurethane foam (also known as memory foam). It has a unique feel and slowly responds to body temperature and weight, taking the shape of the user. It slowly recovers its original shape when the heat and pressure is removed. It has good pressure relieving properties and is available in a variety of qualities and densities.

General Care Guide for Beds and Mattresses

Now you have made a considerable investment in your new bed, we have assembled some helpful hints and tips on how to care for your bed. Please read these, together with the manufacturer’s care guide.

When first unpacked, the mattress may give off a characteristic new smell. This is harmless and disappears after a short period of use.

Your new bed may seem a little strange at first. The chances are that the springs and upholstery in your old bed were not what they used to be. Allow time for your body to adjust to your new bed and for the fillings to settle.

We recommend the use of a good quality mattress protector to avoid stains and to promote hygiene. Avoid plastic based types as these tend to trap condensation and risk potential mould growth.

Do not sit on the edge of the bed. This puts undue strain on the edge and will damage it.

Please ensure children do not use the bed as a trampoline, this will damage the mattress.

Do not vacuum. It will lead to unnecessary disturbance of layer fillings and is not recommended. Dust and fluff can be removed from your bed by using a soft brush every few months, or when necessary.

Do not overload the storage drawers, as they have been designed primarily to hold bed linen, clothing and lightweight items. Excessive weight can cause distortion or damage to the drawers.

Air the mattress regularly. This is particularly important when the packaging is first removed, as it will help any ‘newness’ aroma to dissipate. In the morning turn back the bed clothes and leave the bed for 20 minutes to allow body moisture to evaporate. This also helps prevent the possibility of body moisture reacting with fabric dyes.

Non-turn mattresses should not be turned as only the top surface is designed for sleeping. You should rotate them from end to end in line with the manufacturers care guide, to even the wear over the sleeping surface. Under no circumstance should the non-sleeping side be used as a sleep surface.

If you have bought a new mattress by itself, you should ensure that the base you will be using is good quality and provides proper ventilation and support for your new mattress.

Do not roll or bend the mattress. The spring interior is encased in a steel frame that will distort if bent, and could remain so permanently.

Do not use detergent or chemical cleaners. Many of these products will rot both cloth and fabric. In the event of soiling the mattress may be lightly sponged with a mild solution of soap and water and then aired in a warm environment.